Scene from the Rajah's Seat, Madikeri, Kodagu, giving a panoramic view of the valleys below the hills, Kodagu/Coorg.

Coorg is known for its hospitability of people and beautiful scenery. This is one of the best destinations for nature lover in India. Tourists get fascinated by colourful scenery, wooded slopes, undulating landscape and quaint villages of Coorg. There are endless mountain ranges which attract thousands of tourists every year.

Contents

Get in

The nearest railway station is Mysore, some 100 kms away. But buses are frequent and connect Kodagu to nearby Karnataka cities such as Mysore and Mangalore, among others. The bus journey is about 4-5 hours away. Be prepared for a rough, winding and inexpensive ride. If you are coming from Bangalore/Mysore, it is better to rent a cab from either city. This is recommended as public transport is not very effective in coorg district and the tourist attractions are spread across the district. Taking a cab from the city will help you get better rates as it is always difficult to bargain in tourist spots. If travelling from Bangalore/Mysore, you should plan to cover Bylanakuppe (Tibet monastery), as it is en route.

taxiGUIDE.in (Bangalore to Coorg), ☎+91 888 023 4455 ([email protected]), [1]. Inquiry: 7am to 11pm. (Note: You can also book a cab to Coorg from Mysore, Mangalore & Calicut on taxiGUIDE.in)Fares starting Rs.5600 for a 3 day trip from Bangalore.

Get around

Rickshaws (autos) and four-wheelers can be hired, the former for short pay-by-the-trip journeys and the latter by the day too. Buses connect Coorg with the rest of Karnataka state, and also ply locally (less frequent). Trekking is a healthy possibility; cycling for fitness freaks in this hilly terrain.

For local information, the only easily-available texts in Coorg appear to be Glimpses of Kodagu (Coorg) : Places of Interest by Dr K.U.Ashok (available for Rs 40, including at the main bus-stand bookshop) and a Kodagu Tourists Spots Map, priced at Rs 30, and also available locally, including at the local tourist office near the main bus stand.

See

Abbey falls

Abbey Falls, Kodagu, 2010., Kodagu/Coorg.

A big attraction for tourists and filmdom alike is the Abbey Falls, 8 km from Madikeri. Even during the summer there is plenty of water in these falls. The roar of the falls can be heard from the main road, from where a path goes through lovely coffee and cardamom plantations right up to them. The chirping of innumerable birds which are easier heard then seen, fill the air with sweet music. Do remember to take your binoculars and camera when you go there. As of Mar 2011, bathing in the falls is not allowed as the water pours into the rocky steep valley.

Nagarahole - Wild Life Santuary

Nagarhole is a kannada word meaning "snake river" - which flows through the park. The park and animal life is part of the country's first "bio-sphere reserve". The Forest Department conducts tours along well-defined routes for tourists, in the early mornings and evenings. One can surely see the bison, elephant, spotted deer, sambhar, barking deer, wild boar, mongoose, peakcock, jungle fowl and many other birds and animals. Lucky ones get the chance of seeing Panther or Tiger.

Honnamana Kere

Honnamana Kere is a holy and tourist place located in Daddamalthe near Sulimalthe village 6 km away from Somwarpet town. The lake (See picture) is surrounded by beautiful landscape including Coffee estates and Cliffs. Special pooja is offered to the Goddess Honnamma on the Gowri festival every year. Thousands of devotees come to this sacred place on this day and offers pooja to the Goddess Honnamma followed by climbing the cliff. 'Bagina' which consists of sacred belongings of the Goddess is left in the lake. A new temple was built several years back with the aim to improve the place and offer better facilities to the devotees, this was possible by the financial assistance of the people living in the surrounding villages.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury

Pushpagiri aka Kumaraparvatha trek path, Kodagu, 2009., Kodagu/Coorg.

Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctury is 30 km from Somwarpet towards Kukke Subramanya. The Wildlife Sanctury is a apt for trekkers who want to experience the wilderness of Western Ghat. Home for different kinds of wild species like elephants, deers, wild cats etc.

Mallalli Falls

Mallalli Falls is situated around 25 km from Somwarpet. The exact location of Mallali falls is in Bettadahalli Gram Panchayat in Somwarpet taluk. It is an eye feasting sight of river Kumaradhara gushing through the valley and falling into a gorge, with lush green mountains around.

Madikeri:

Madikeri is the capital of the Kodagu also known as Coorg. This place is known as the “Scotland of India”. Millions of tourists come to this place to visit coffee plantations, lush green forests, misty hills and some breath taking views of other areas. Madikeri is also known for it;s amazing climate. Madikeri also has a world record in the production of cardamom crop.

St Anne's Church, Virajpet.

Itineraries

Madikeri Fort

Now the Collectorate, the seat of local administration., Kodagu/Coorg.

This 19th century fort, in the centre of Madikeri, houses a Ganesha temple, a chapel, a district prison and a small museum. The fort offers a beautiful view of Madikeri. This fort is one of the most beautiful places to visit during the trip to Coorg. Initially this fort was built by mud and later on mud was replaced by the concrete stone, by the great king Tipu Sultan.

According to an official explanation board at the site, Mercara, the headquarters of Coorg or Kodagu district, was founded by Prince Mudduraja of the Haleri Dynasty in 1681 CE, and was named after him as Muddurajanakeri -- which became "Muddukayray" and Madikeri over time. The British termed the place Mercara.

Mudduraja built a mud fort and a palace inside the fort, in the last quarter of the 17th century. This fort was later rebuilt of granite masonry, after it was captured by the "Tiger of Mysore" Tipu Sultan. Tipu named it Jaffarabad. In 1790, Doddaveer Rajendra took possession of the fort, and in April 1834, the British took control of it.

Built on an elevated area, the fort has been described as an "irregular hexagon" on plan, almost confirming to the shape of the hilltop. There are six circular bastions at the angles, the entrance on the east is intricate and circuitious and guarded by three successive gates.

Majestically looking over the area are two life-sized elephants made of mortar in the north-east corner of the entrance. A small but imposing church at the south-east corner was built in 1855 and is presently home to an archaeological museum (photography prohibited inside). The palace, renovated by Lingarajendra Wodeyar II in 1812-1814, presently accomodates government offices.

Raja's Seat

According to legend, the kings of Kodagu spent their evenings here. But what's unforgettable about Raja's seat is the spectacular sunset that one can enjoy from here. A sophisticated musical fountain is also located here. Best timings for viewing the sunset and the musical fountains are from 17:30 to 19:30 Hrs. It is not always possible to see the sunset due to cloud cover. However, if you miss the sunset, an alternative is to visit the place early morning around 7am. No tourist crowd or blaring speakers(which play during the evening). There is a toy train next to the park which offers a small ride for ten rupees. Park has an entry fee of 5 rupees. Try the chur-muri(bhelpuri) from one of the stalls near the park. It costs around Rs. 15 for a packet and they customize the taste according to your choice of spice and salt. The park charges a car park fee of Rs. 20.

Bagamandala - Temple and river confluence

At a distance of 39 kms from Madikeri, 8 kms before reaching TalaKaveri, Bhagamandala is on the banks of the confluence of three rivers, Cauvery, Kannike and the sub terranian Sujyoti, popularly known as "Triveni Sangama". The famous Sri Bhagandeswara temple is located on the bank of the river over here. Pilgrims visiting Bhagamandala bathe (or sprinkle water on your head) in the Triveni Sangama, confluence of rivers and worship at the temple complex. Watch out for the wooden carvings in the temple. The subrahmanya idol in the temple is a swayambu and the temple was established by a rishi named Bhagamandala. The temple serves free lunch - you get rice, sambar and buttermilk. Not a lavish lunch, but a clean,simple vegetarian option instead of the poorly maintained restaurants in the neighbourhood.

Mandalpatti- View point

At a distance of about 35 kms from Madekeri town, Mandalpatti viewpoint provides breath taking view of the nearby hills. The route from Madikeri is a great ride through coffee plantains. The view point is about 1600 meters above sea-level . If you are looking for some adventure, you can go downhill from the view point on the opposite directions which leads to a small yet beautiful water fall. Please use all safety measures as this water fall is secluded and is almost inaccessible due to its distance from the view point.Avoid trekking down alone or in small groups

Talakaveri / Talacauvery

River Kaveri which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu scriptures, originated at a place is called Talakaveri (head of Cauvery) in the Brahmagiri hills, at about 4,500 ft above sea level. This place is marked by a tirtha kundike or Brahma kundike (small spring/pond) from where the river emerges as a small perennial spring, but flows underground again to emerge a short distance away. It is about 48 km from Madikeri.

There is a shrine near the kundike and a big tank in front of it where devotees baths before offering prayers. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agastya.

Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day (approximately on 17 October) Goddess Parvati appears in the Kundike as the sacred teerthodbhava. This occasion is marked by the sudden unsurge of water in the kundike and is considered very auspicious

From Talakaveri, 365 steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, where the 7 great sages called the Sapta Maharishis had performed a special yagna. From the peak, as well as on the drive to Talakaveri, tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills. On a clear and sunny day you can view the glittering of the mangalore sea just before sunset.

Dubare - Elephant Camp

This is mainly an elephant capturing and training camp of the Forest Department, at the edge of Dubare forest, on the bank of river Kaveri, on the Kushalnagar - Siddapur road. The largest land animal is captured here with the help of tamed elephants and local tribals - the Kurbas - and is held captive for upto 6 months in large teak wood cages.

The tamed elephants attend to various jobs during the day and in the mornings they come down to the river to bathe and to be scrubbed clean by their mahouts. Afterwards the mahout obliges eager tourists for elephant rides (Rs 100 per head, about five minutes, free for children below seven years) within the camp. In the mornings, all the elephants are offered a special treat of ladoos made of ragi and jaggery, each no smaller than a cannon ball! If you arrive early (before 1030am ), you can join in the programme to bathe the elephant. The entry fee to the park is Rs.20/person and there is an additional charge of Rs.100 to bathe the elephant. There are elephant rides from about 10 am to noon, and from 4 to 5 pm. 4-6 persons can ride an elephant at a time. There may be a queue for a ride. Buy your ticket at the counter. However, they follow a token system to ensure queue priority.

To get to the camp you will need to cross the small still water lagoon over motor boat or still water rafting or by a small trek over a rocky pathway (no trekking in rainy seasons). Ideally you can raft across the river to reach the camp and trek back over the river over the rock pathway. The boat ride will cost you Rs.20/person. If you are young and dont mind wetting your feet, the rocky path is fun and is not dangerous.

You could also do white water rafting at this place. The rafting distance is about 7 km and path is a great combination of rocks and water. A must do if you are looking for some adventure

Iruppu Falls

There is a sacred spot called Iruppu in south Kodagu on the Brahmagiri range of hills. River Lakshmana-tirtha flows nearby. Legend says that Rama and Lakshmana, warrior Gods, passed this way while searching for Rama's consort, Sita. Rama asked Lakshmana to fetch some drinking water for him. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the Brahmagiri hills and brought into being river Lakshmanatirtha. Also the river is said to be blesed with powers of cleansing one's soul, it is an important pilgrim point for many devotees and a temple dedicated to Lord Ram is a few km below.

The river descends perpendicularly into a great cataract known as the Iruppu Falls. This place is believed to possess the power to cleanse one's sins and is visited by thousands of devotees from far and near on Shivaratri day. There is temple dedicated to Sri Ram, surrounded by paddy fields, from where it is a climb up to the falls through natural forest. This place can be visited from Gonikopal on the way to Nagerhole National Park by taking a detour after Srimangala, situated in the Kutta Road.

Nagarhole National Park:

Nagarhole, in kannada means Snake River, but there are not too many snakes at this place. This park was created by former king for their hunting adventure. Nagarhole provides best natural habitat for different wildlife animals like tigers, elephant, panthers and many more. Mostly found animals here are wild dogs, gaur, langur and deer.

Buy

Traditional Kodagu jewels like Kokkethathi or Jomale. Available locally.

Buy made-in-Coorg honey. Available in local shops. See also Coorg Ag-Mark Honey. Produced by the Coorg Progressive Bee-Keepers Co-operative Society, Honey Shop, Near Post Office, Madikeri, Ph 08272-228761.

Do

The best things to do in Coorg is outdoor sports. Fondly called The Scotland of India or even the Switzerland of India, it's a lush, green blanket covering ranges of hills, and valleys, great for mountain biking and trekking.

Of course, if you could also come here for some time to cool off, or as a break from the usual tourist hot spots.
Coorg has various options for adventure lovers. Some of the attractions are White water rafting, Trekking, Rockclimbing, Mountain Hiking, Dirt track racing etc.

Encounter Coorgi crops (Look out for cultivated pure coffee,pepper,cardamom,orange,local magoes,Honey,garcinia gumbigattat(kachampuli)authentic local cuisine. Resorts are a great place to stay in the plantation areas.). Main crops of this area are coffee, pepper, cardamom, orange, anthurium flowers and paddy.

Campfire at Beelur Golf Club, Beelur, Somwarpet, Coorg (Located 8 km from Somwarpet town). Beelur Golf Club is one of the oldest club in the town. The lush green golf ground attracts many tourists and movie makers. Also famous for kitty party and Campfire.

Trekking, Hiking & Rock Climbing, Honnamana Kere, Somwarpet, Coorg. Honnamana Kere is a hotspot for trekking & rock climbing. Adjacent cliffs (Gavi betta and Mori betta) are favourites of adventure lovers. If you prefer to be relaxed you can take a hike in the coffee plantations.

Barapole Rafting, ☎+919880180812, [4]. The Barapole experience is great in terms of river technicals, white water rapids, rapids gradations, river course, the scenic environment & the management and safety standards adhered to every monsoon. The river Barapole is perhaps one of the very few rivers in the south which becomes a natural waterbody because of the monsoon. 999.

Eat

Coorgi food is an elaborate mix of Indian pepper, curry leaves, and, simply putting it, a lot of other magical ingredients. With a tendency to be a little too hot for the foreign tourist, it does have a great potential to compete with Andhra cuisine. Since the people of Coorg have a warrior background, their food is a little different from the mainly vegetarian cuisine of the rest of India with an abundance of pork, chicken and meat in it. Many dishes reflect a melding of meat, particularly meat and pork. Stews are common, and rice is the main staple diet.

And the very famous Coorg coffee to wash it all down.

White Water Rafting - Barapole, Barapole, [6]. White water rafting and river crossing

Drink

Homemade Wine & Tody. Homemade wines are available in local shops across Coorg and toddy is available in the local plantations. The wines come in differing colours, from bright green (betelnut wine!) to pinkish.

Coffee. Coffee is widely available all over Coorg/Kodagu. In fact, coffee is widely grown in this region. You can also take back home small coffee packets.

Go Coorg, madikeri, [7]. Get recipes of coorgs uniques food and get all the information on Coorg's popular food and drinks.

Sleep

""The Tamara Coorg"": Elevated living experiences and responsible luxuries in the steep hills of southern Coorg, this resort offers breathtaking views from every cottage, the finest dining and conference facilities and the best of nature experiences in a 170 acre shade grown coffee and spice plantation. Contact No. for reservations: +91 88840 00040. or book online at www.thetamara.com

Heritage Resort: It is 11 kilometers from Madikeri. It is set on a slope. About 10 cottages. No room service. One has to trek to the top to the restaurant. Food is just okay. Hospitality is excellent. Be prepared for a late breakfast as it is not ready before 8.30 am. Always have a vehicle when you travel to Coorg as every place is so far off.

Other hotels are available at Madikeri itself (Hotel Coorg International, Hotel East End at GT Road, Veg Land Hotel, Karnataka Lodge, among others), at Virajpet Taluk, Somwarpet Taluka, Kushalnagar, and Gonikoppal.

The Casiita, opp. Cauvery Nisargadhama, Guddehosur Post (2kms away from Kushalnagar town towards Madikeri), ☎+9197-4242-6080, [10]. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the town with 15 rooms and cottages. Estate safari with adventure outdoor sports on request.

Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley Resort, Galibeedu Road Kalakeri Nidugane Village Madikeri, Dist. Coorg, ☎+91-8272-221114, [12]. Built in traditional architecture style, the Club Mahindra Kodagu Valley resort is situated within a live coffee plantation, redolent with the scents, colours and sights of this beautiful hill station.

chingaara estate house (chingaara), yavakapady village (Madikeri- Napoklu- kakkabe - kabbinakad), ☎9591821339, [13]. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 11 a.m. Chingaara is an estate guest house nestled within one of the most diverse and luxuriant landscapes in the world- the Kodagu region of The Western Ghats in South Western India. Situated within the grounds of a 12 acre family-owned coffee estate, with working plantations of coffee, pepper and cardamom amidst lush green tropical forests, Chingaara offers its guests a sojourn into wildest nature with the comforts of a beautiful estate home1800. (2500,)

Honey valley estate (honey valley), yavakapady village (madikeri- napoklu- kakkabe- kabbinakad), ☎08272-238339, [14]. checkin: 12 noon; checkout: 11 a.m. Honey Valley Estate is situated in the Western Ghats in the heart of Kodagu (Coorg), about 250 kilometers from Bangalore. Kodagu offers a beautiful location for walking, birdwatching or simply relaxing with its lush forests and misty green slopes. The climate here is pleasantly cool as most of the district is between 1,000 and 1,400 meters above sea level. The Honey Valley Estate is situated in a remote part of Kodagu, near the tallest peak in the region, Thadiyandamole which makes it for beautiful day's trek990. (2000,)

Stay safe

If you are visiting Coorg in wet weather seasons, beware of leeches especially while walking through wet grass and in bathrooms/toilets. Watch out for traffic (locals warn about "overloaded lorries") along the main highways leading into Madikeri, and the winding roads of the region. Speedbreakers on some roads tend to be unmarked. Wild animals are reported on some roads at night, and domesticated herds by day too.

Get out

Road is the main link to get into and out of Coorg (Kodagu). There is no railway link to the area, the nearest stations being Mysore and Mangalore (approx a hundred kms away, in each case). The nearest airport is the Mangalore international airport. Buses connect the region with the outside world, and there are frequent connections particularly to Mysore and Mangalore, two nearby Karnataka cities. Catch either from the main bus stand at Madikeri. Some buses do not require pre-booking, though some do. Check out details locally.